There’s no doubt that living to 100 used to be a rare occurrence, but these days, living to and beyond 100 years old is becoming more common.

While there is no one magic formula that works for everyone, there are some secrets of centenarians that can help extend your life and keep you healthy for longer. Here are 7 tips that you can adopt to reach 100 years old or more.

1. Keep Moving

The first tip for reaching 100 is to keep moving. Physical activity is crucial for maintaining good health. The more you move, the more you’ll benefit. Even simple things like walking, gardening, and housework can be beneficial.

Exercise can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, strengthen the heart, and keep your bones strong. Exercise can also boost your mood and help you stay sharp mentally.

Studies have shown that even light activities like walking can have a big impact on your health. One study found that people who walked for 30 minutes a day had a 20% lower risk of dying early than those who didn’t.

So, make sure you get up and move around as much as you can.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is key to reaching 100. The right foods can help you maintain a healthy weight, prevent chronic diseases, and keep your body functioning properly. Foods that are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are especially important.

These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.

Centenarians often don’t follow any specific diet, but many eat a plant-based diet with moderate amounts of meat or fish. They also tend to eat smaller portions and don’t consume a lot of processed foods or sugary drinks.

In general, following a Mediterranean-style diet is a good place to start for optimal health and longevity.

3. Stay Mentally and Socially Active

Mental and social activity can play a big role in reaching 100. Staying mentally active can help keep the brain healthy and prevent cognitive decline. This can include reading, puzzles, and other mentally challenging activities.

Social activity can also be important for maintaining good mental health. Research has shown that people with strong social connections tend to live longer and have better mental health.

Many centenarians also credit their longevity to a sense of purpose. Having a reason to get up in the morning and something to look forward to can help you feel fulfilled and engaged with life.

4. Don’t Smoke

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for an early death. It’s never too late to quit smoking. If you’re a smoker, seek assistance to quit from a healthcare professional or quit smoking support group soon.

Your body starts to repair the damage caused by cigarette smoking within weeks of quitting. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and a range of other health issues.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential to good health. Lack of sleep is connected to a range of health problems, including weight gain, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Studies show that getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night is ideal for most people.

Too much or too little sleep can be detrimental to health. Centenarians often report getting adequate sleep and also take power naps during the day, which can lead to improved overall health.

6. Cultivate Resilience

Life can be full of challenges, but it’s important to cultivate resilience and find ways to cope with stress. Resilience helps people bounce back from setbacks and remain optimistic in the face of adversity.

It is often tied to mental health and a sense of well-being, which can contribute to a longer life. People who are resilient tend to have strong social connections, a positive attitude, and find meaning in their lives.

7. Keep Positive Attitude

Finally, maintaining a positive attitude is crucial to reaching 100. Studies have shown that people with positive attitudes tend to live longer and have better overall health.

A positive attitude can help reduce stress, lower the risk of depression, and improve physical health. It’s important to cultivate a positive outlook on life, even in the face of adversity. Learning to see things in a positive light, and finding joy and meaning in everyday activities can help keep you happy and healthy for years to come.

The Bottom Line

While there is no magic pill or secret to reaching 100, adopting some of the habits of centenarians can help increase your chances of living a long, healthy life.

Remember to keep moving, eat a healthy diet, stay mentally and socially active, avoid smoking, get enough sleep, cultivate resilience and most importantly keep a positive attitude.